Di Maria? I’d have had defensive duo, says ex-Man United ace

Ray Wilkins believes that his former side Manchester United would have been better off using the money spent on Angel di Maria to sign Mats Hummels and Sami Khedira.

The Red Devils announced the British record £59.7m arrival of the Argentine on Tuesday, snapping him up from Real Madrid.

Although the signing has been met with excitement from large sections of the club’s supporters and has been hailed as a signal of intent, some have questioned the decision given that United’s defensive set-up has been shaky so far.

An opening Premier League loss at home to Swansea followed and a disappointing draw at Sunderland were blown out of the water by a humbling 4-0 drubbing in the Capital One Cup at the hand of third tier MK Dons this week, with the performances of players at the back having been criticised in all of the showings.

Although he sees Di Maria as a good addition, Wilkins believes that the cash should have been used to sort out more pressing concerns in Louis van Gaal’s XI:

“They are putting the roof on before the foundations of the house,” he told talkSPORT.

“I think they spent the £60million unwisely on Di Maria.

“Why don’t they go and pay £35million for Hummels first? We know Dortmund, as good a side as they are, are a selling club. Take him out of Dortmund and put him in alongside Phil Jones.

“Then go and get Khedira for £25million. There’s your £60million and you already look more solid.”